THE royal seal of approval for Surrey Hills Enterprises as a hub of innovative products and services was given by The Earl of Wessex when he visited Its headquarters in Waverley borough.

Since the launch of the Surrey Hills trademark in 2018, there are now more than 100 businesses that demonstrate the best of what the county has to offer, while meeting the required criteria of local provenance, sustainability and quality.

Milford wood sculptor Ruth Wheeler was thrilled to be one of those presented to the hub’s royal visitor on November 6 – and Prince Edward clearly enjoyed getting creative with one of her ‘burn, carve, sculpt’ roundels.

The royal visit included a showcase of Surrey Hills food, wine, cheese and coffee and Prince Edward was presented with a hamper full of delicious treats. .

Simon Whalley, chairman of Surrey Hills Enterprises said: “This is a very exciting time in the development of the Surrey Hills brand and the Royal visit is testimony to the importance of supporting and developing rural businesses as a conduit to developing an even stronger local economy, which in turn can then help support the protected environment of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”